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A new collection of handmade wooden cases for the iPod touch, including two cases which are also compatible with the fifth-generation iPod, is available from Etsy seller mjdinsmore. The collection includes cases in a variety of woods, and with differing designs and inlays. In addition, some cases feature a latched opening, while other feature a sliding dovetail cover. The handmade wooden cases are available now and range in price from $31 to $80.

iPod owner Fstedie, responsible for the internal Bluetooth how-to for the fourth-generation iPod, has now completed an internal Bluetooth hack for the fifth-generation iPod. Described as “considerably more difficult” than the fourth-generation mod, the new hack leaves the 5G iPod with a stock external appearance, apart from a custom clear front panel. The hack offers “native” stereo Bluetooth support, and requires swapping the 5G’s hard drive for a CompactFlash card in order to free-up space for the transmitter. Fstedie promises that a how-to article will soon be posted to Instructables.com.

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters has introduced its new VideoShell case for the iPod nano (with video). The VideoShell is a hard-shell case made from protective polycarbonate that features a kickstand in the rear of the case for hands-free video viewing. The stand elevates and holds the nano without limiting access to the dock connector and headphone jack, and the case also features a beveled opening for access to the Click Wheel, as well as complete open access to the Dock Connector, headphone jack, and hold switch. "With its extra-strong polycarbonate outer shell and unique kickstand, the DLO VideoShell for nano combines supreme functionality with solid protection from everyday nicks and scrapes,” said Marcia Germ, director of product development for DLO. “The case’s snap-on front ensures that the bottom is unobstructed and free for docking, so you’ll never have to take your nano out of its shell.” The DLO VideoShell for iPod nano (with video) is available now and sells for $20; for more information on the VideoShell check out our review.

Apple has lowered its 2008 NAND flash memory order forecast, a new report indicates. According to iSuppli, the company “has slashed its 2008 NAND order forecast significantly and has informed suppliers that its demand growth will slow in 2008 compared to 2007.” The reports states that this is expected to have a large impact on the NAND market overall, as Apple was the world’s third largest OEM buyer of NAND memory in 2007, with purchases of $1.2 billion, which represents 13.1 percent of the global market. Apple currently uses NAND flash memory in most of its portable consumer devices, including the iPod shuffle, iPod nano, iPod touch, and the iPhone. Prior to learning of Apple’s lowered forecast, iSuppli had predicted that the company’s NAND purchases would rise 32.2 percent this year, helping to encourage significant market growth.

RhinoSkin has introduced its new HardCase for the iPod nano (with video). The HardCase is made with a clear, scratch-resistant and shatterproof polycarbonate front and a durable aluminum back. The case also features soft grip sides, access to the device’s screen, Click Wheel, hold switch, headphone jack, and Dock Connector, and an included lanyard. “No matter how big or small the device, RhinoSkin is committed to producing custom fit cases that people can depend on,” noted Kelley Wheeler, marketing manager for RhinoSkin. “People take their iPods nearly everywhere and we want them to be able to protect their investment and enjoy music and video anywhere they go.” The RhinoSkin HardCase for iPod nano (with video) is available now and sells for $25.

Thought Out has announced that it will be releasing its new KingNAJA holder for the iPhone and iPod touch in the next few weeks. The KingNAJA is a portable media device holder, which like the company’s previously released PED3 stand allows users to rotate the device between horizontal and vertical orientation as needed. The holder itself attaches to a 3-foot soft, flexible cable developed for secure positioning, which coils around the device holder for greater portability. The Thought Out KingNAJA portable holder for iPhone and iPod touch will be available in the next few weeks, and will sell for $40.

The BBC has announced that its iPlayer service will soon be available on the iPhone and iPod touch. The Guardian reports that the BBC said that iPhone and iPod touch owners would be able to access iPlayer content “within the next few weeks,” which will the first time the service has been available beyond PC and Mac computers. It is unknown whether access will handled via a web application, or if viewing will be made possible through an installable application, which would be available following the release of the iPhone/iPod touch SDK.

Apple's 1GB iPod shuffle, long maintained by the company to be a popular and important member of the iPod family because of its low price point, today is dropping to $49 from its previous price of $79. Considered long overdue by those who have compared the shuffle to newer, similar, and less expensive alternatives such as the Zen Stone from companies such as Creative, the price drop simultaneously establishes the lowest-ever entry price point for the iPod family, and re-affirms Apple's interest-at least temporarily-in keeping the shuffle around rather than discontinuing it in favor of a cheaper iPod nano. The 1GB iPod shuffle continues to be available in five colors, each primarily aluminum with plastic accents, and feature a rear integrated shirt clip. Competitors such as the Zen Stone use all-plastic bodies, but also start at prices as low as $35.

Just released as a downloadable game for the iPod classic, third-generation iPod nano, and fifth-generation iPod, Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: Aegir’s Fire ($5) places you in control of a pirate ship on a series of quests to find treasures, sink enemy ships with cannonballs, and track down the five daughters of Aegir. Wind, the types of power-ups you find for your cannons, and both the speed and strength of your ship will influence your success; you can buy your way into better ships, including the Black Pearl, as you earn money. A map screen lets you travel from Europe to Africa, Hawaii, the Maldives and Caribbean on quests, and of course, familiar faces from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies make appearances as well.